South Australia Travel Guide

The ultimate guide toSouth Australia

Discover the best places to visit and things to do in South Australia with our ultimate travel guide. From beautiful beaches, world-renowned wine regions, a vibrant and cultural capital city and charming country towns, it’s easy to plan your next South Australian getaway.

South Australia is a great holiday destination for a romantic getaway in wine country, family beach holidays on the coast or road tripping to the outback; immerse yourself in the very best South Australia has to offer.

Top Things to Do in South Australia

Wine Tasting

South Australia is blessed with multiple wine regions to indulge in a spot of wine tasting. If you’re short on time, Penfolds Magill Estate Cellar Door  is located just 8km from the CBD. Likewise Adelaide Hills is easily accessible, just 30 minutes from the CBD and is a picturesque region to wine and dine. Head to McLaren Vale for a premium cellar door experience and a stop by the d’Arenberg Cube a fanciful 5 level food, wine and art experience. Arguably South Australia’s most famous wine region, the Barossa Valley is a must-visit for wine lovers. Head to the charming Clare Valley for award-winning Riesling and picturesque vineyard views. Further afield, Coonawarra on the Limestone Coast is known for it’s big, bold Cabernet Sauvignon wines.

Hikes & Treks

Walk off all that great South Australian food and wine with a hike or trek in South Australia’s rugged and beautiful great outdoors. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely afternoon stroll or an intrepid multi-day wilderness adventure, such as the Southern Great Ocean walk, you can find a hike or trek to suit your level of fitness in South Australia. Arkaba Walk at Wilpena Pound is a 4-day hike and one of Australia’s eight Great Walks, traversing the ancient Flinders Rangers in Outback South Australia. Adelaide also has some great hikes to suit all levels of fitness.

Beachside Breaks

Beach shack holidays in South Australia are a popular choice with locals. Visitors to Adelaide can catch the tram to Glenelg Beach and stay in beachside luxury at Seawall Apartments for absolute beachfront self-contained accommodation. Further down the coast at Moana in the Fleurieu Peninsula, book a stay at the luxurious Luxe Haus for a group getaway at its finest. Take a beachside break in Robe on the Limestone Coast with our locals guide to all the best places to eat, drink and relax. Alternatively, for those based in the city check out the best beaches in Adelaide.

Best Places to Visit in South Australia

National Parks

Be inspired to visit South Australia’s national parks for outdoor adventure and chance to discover the state’s natural beauty. Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park featuring the iconic Wilpena Pound is a spectacular natural amphitheatre of mountains. Gawler Ranges National Park in the northern Eyre Peninsula is known for its spectacular rock formations and beautiful Lake Gairdner.

Kangaroo Island

Escape to Kangaroo Island via a 45-minute ferry ride or short flight and discover the pristine yet rugged beauty of Kangaroo Island. Get back to nature with a hike, cruise or four-wheel-drive expedition across rocky outcrops to see seal colonies, koala families and of course, plenty of kangaroos. For the foodies, embark on a food safari tasting native ingredients and freshly harvested native bush honey. There is a range of accommodation options on Kangaroo Island, from self-contained accommodation to the luxurious all-inclusive Southern Ocean Lodge.

Murray River

Paddle the mighty Murray River should be on everyone’s bucket list, experiencing one of the world’s largest river systems from a historic paddleboat or cruise the river on a houseboat. Whichever your mode of transport, be inspired by the history and romance of the river as you pass dozens of historic towns dotted along the boarder between NSW and Victoria. Make the Riverland your luxurious base and rest awhile at award-winning self-contained accommodation The Frames on the banks of the Murray River in the Riverland town of Paringa.

Choosing Where to Stay in South Australia

You’ll find plenty of accommodation options in South Australia to suit every budget from camping and caravan parks, budget hotels to beachside resorts, boutique hotels and luxury accommodation. Choosing where to stay in South Australia will depend on the style of holiday you seek. From a Barossa Valley wine weekend, to an Adelaide cultural mini-break to cruising the Murray River, there is so much to see and do and the perfect accommodation to suit your style and budget in South Australia.

Lodges

South Australia has some impressive luxury lodges to relax and unwind at including the stunning Southern Ocean Lodge on Kangaroo Island. Guests enjoy refined luxury with breathtaking views across the coastline and embark on a gastronomic journey with a menu designed to showcase local produce and wines. In the Flinders Ranges, retreat to wild bush luxury at Arkaba Homestead offering five unique and luxurious guest rooms in a former sheep-farming homestead originally build in 1850’s.

Luxury Hotels

There are plenty of luxury hotels in South Australia to lay your head. In Adelaide, Mayfair Hotel mixes old-world grandeur and contemporary glamour to create the ultimate five-star boutique experience. In the Barossa, The Louise offers sophisticated suites surrounded by wine country. Spoil yourself and indulge inhouse at fine dining destination restaurant Appellation and experience the very best food and wine in South Australia.

Tours and Packages South Australia

There are plenty of tours and packages to make the most of your South Australian holiday. Wine tasting tours are a popular choice in South Australia with day tours from Adelaide to Adelaide Hills, Barossa and McLaren Vale operating regularly for a seamless cellar door experience. Explore Outback South Australia by the air with an organised tour or charter scenic flight of Australia’s largest salt lake, Lake Eyre. Adventure and foodie tours of Kangaroo Island are a must-do and cruising the Murray River is another popular choice for exploring South Australia.